Assiniboia Downs: Cell Line Forever looks to build on local debut in La Verendrye

Cell Line Forever, a smart winner of her local bow, will be looking to come right back in the $30,000 La Verendrye at Assinibioa Downs on Saturday.

The six-furlong La Verendrye attracted a field of nine fillies and mares.

Cell Line Forever, a 5-year-old who came to Winnipeg off a series of solid turf efforts at Turf Paradise, rallied from just off the pace to prevail in the 5 1/2-furlong allowance prep for the La Verendrye on May 19.

The going was muddy that day as Cell Line Forever scored by a neck for trainer Wade Rarick, a newcomer who is off to a great start at the Assiniboia Downs meeting.

Tyrone Nelson takes over in the irons from Paul Nolan, who is riding Sweet Tizzy Lizzy in the La Verendrye.

Honorable Lady, second in the prep, will be looking to turn the tables for trainer Tom Gardipy Jr.

Tim Moccasin has picked up the mount on Honorable Lady, who finished a close third behind the stakes-winning males Big Blue Caboose and U R Burnin Daylite when making her seasonal bow six days prior to the prep.

Golden Stripe will be making her third appearance in the La Verendrye as she won the 2011 edition after finishing a close second the previous season.

Trained by Shelley Brown, Golden Stripe was a faltering fourth as the favorite in the May 19 prep, but won the La Verendrye last year off a similar opening effort.

Rohan Singh replaces Nelson aboard Golden Stripe.

Sweet Tizzy Lizzy, claimed for $20,000 this March at Oaklawn Park, scored impressively in her local bow for trainer Ardell Sayler. That effort came at five furlongs under the second-level allowance term in an optional $10,000 claiming race, and Sweet Tizzy Lizzy will get tested for class here.

Lucky Lady Go, Jilleah, Witch’s Coven, Finally Flying, and Three Times A Wonder round out the field.